PSX Gains Over 500 Points as KSE-100 Maintains Momentum

Investor appetite returned strongly to the Pakistan Stock Exchange on Thursday morning, extending the equity market's recovery into a second consecutive trading session. According to data reported by Business Recorder, the benchmark KSE-100 Index surged past the 180,800-point mark shortly after the opening bell, reflecting widespread buying across prominent sectors.

By 9:45 am, the KSE-100 Index was trading at 180,864.26, reflecting an increase of 553.05 points, or 0.31 percent, compared to the previous close. The bullish momentum was anchored by key blue-chip companies, with index-heavy equities such as Hub Power Company (HUBCO), Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC), MCB Bank, National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), and United Bank Limited (UBL) all trading in positive territory.

Broad-based interest was evident across multiple sectors during early trade, particularly in commercial banking, cement, fertiliser, oil marketing companies, and power generation. This widespread participation follows Wednesday's market performance, where the index rebounded to close at 180,311.22 points after recovering from two straight sessions of profit-taking.

Market sentiment mid-week was further strengthened by international developments, including reports concerning an extension of the US-Iran ceasefire. Regionally, Asian stock markets also recorded gains on Thursday after US inflation figures aligned with market forecasts, easing concerns over potential rate hikes by the Federal Reserve, while international crude oil prices hovered close to $80 a barrel.